satire
/ˈsætaɪər/
NOUN
1. Criticism through humor, irony, and ridicule
A literary, artistic, or rhetorical technique that exposes, criticizes, or challenges human weaknesses, social problems, institutions, or political behavior through humor, irony, exaggeration, and ridicule.
1.1. Literary and artistic criticism
Used to describe a creative technique in literature, art, or storytelling that exposes flaws, contradictions, and foolish behavior through humor, irony, or exaggeration.
Synonyms
- parody
- burlesque
- lampoon
- mockery
- ridicule
- travesty
- spoof
- send-up
- lampoonery
- caricature
Antonyms
- seriousness
- sincerity
Examples
- The novel is a brilliant piece of satire, mocking the absurdities of society.
- The movie uses satire to critique the overconsumption of modern culture.
- The artist's work is often seen as satire, highlighting the contradictions in the world.
Related Words
- irony
- exaggeration
- wit
- humor
- sarcasm
- caricature
- literature
- comedy
- social criticism
- literary device
1.2. Political and social commentary
Used for humorous or ironic criticism directed at political figures, government policies, social institutions, or cultural practices to expose corruption, hypocrisy, and injustice.
Synonyms
- lampoon
- caricature
- parody
- ridicule
- mockery
- derision
- sarcasm
- burlesque
- send-up
Antonyms
- seriousness
- praise
- commendation
Examples
- His comedy show is known for its sharp satire of political figures.
- The cartoon uses satire to expose corruption and hypocrisy among government officials.
Related Words
- politics
- government
- society
- hypocrisy
- corruption
- propaganda
- criticism
- irony
- exaggeration
- political commentary
NOUN
2. A humorous work that mocks or criticizes
A creative work, performance, or piece of communication that uses humor, irony, exaggeration, or imitation to ridicule a person, idea, institution, or situation.
2.1. Satirical literary and dramatic works
Refers to a specific novel, play, film, sketch, or other creative production that humorously imitates or exaggerates its subject to expose its weaknesses or absurdities.
Synonyms
- parody
- spoof
- lampoon
- burlesque
- farce
- travesty
- skit
- send-up
- takeoff
- caricature
Examples
- She enjoyed the clever satire in the cartoon, which poked fun at current events.
- The television program is a political satire that imitates the behavior of public officials.
- The film is a clever parody of traditional detective stories.
Related Words
- comedy
- cartoon
- sketch
- slapstick
- irony
- wit
- witticism
- play
- novel
- performance
2.2. Mocking performances and humorous imitations
Refers to a comedic performance or imitation that exaggerates recognizable characteristics of a person, group, or situation to make it appear ridiculous.
Synonyms
- caricature
- takeoff
- spoof
- parody
- lampoon
- travesty
- burlesque
- send-up
Examples
- The comedian's satire of the famous politician entertained the audience.
- The performance was a humorous takeoff of the celebrity's distinctive mannerisms.
Related Words
- impersonation
- mimicry
- imitation
- exaggeration
- comedy
- clowning
- buffoonery
- sketch
NOUN
3. Harshness or severity of expression
The quality of making remarks or expressing criticism in an unusually harsh, cutting, or severe manner.
3.1. Sharp and cutting verbal criticism
Describes the biting or caustic quality of remarks intended to criticize, wound, or expose someone's faults through harsh language or pointed irony.
Synonyms
Antonyms
- kindness
- gentleness
- mildness
- softness
Examples
- The satire of his remarks revealed his deep dissatisfaction with the decision.
- Her writing was characterized by a sharpness of tone that made its criticism particularly cutting.
Related Words
- invective
- irony
- wit
- ridicule
- contempt
- hostility
- biting remarks
- verbal criticism